What Is an Enclosure Gasket and Why Is It Important?

Gaskets are used on computer and electrical enclosures to create a seal between the enclosure body and its doors. Strong, heavy-duty enclosure gasket is critical to the protection of sensitive electronics housed inside of the enclosure. 

Gasket is primarily used to prevent the external (often harsh) environment from entering an industrial enclosure. Some of the most harmful elements can be dust, dirt, lint, grease, and water.

The gasket is an important part of the enclosure’s overall sealing system and should be properly selected, installed, and maintained for the conditions where the enclosure will operate.

How Do You Choose the Right Enclosure Gasket?

To support proper performance, it is important to select gasket material designed and rated for the installation environment.

Important factors can include operating temperature, indoor or outdoor use, water exposure, chemicals, UV exposure, and other environmental conditions.

According to Peter Taraborelli, in his blog, Best Rubber Gasket Materials for Weather Resistance, “The location of a gasket is of utmost importance, especially if it is going to be exposed to the elements. For this reason, it’s imperative to choose top quality weather resistant materials to enhance the longevity and performance of outdoor gaskets. There are several important factors to think about in regard to weather resistance including sunlight, temperature, ozone, and inclement weather conditions (rain, hail, sleet, snow, etc.).”

Types of Enclosure Gaskets

The three main types of gasket applied to computer enclosures are strip (most widely used gasket), foam in place, and die cut. 

Manufacturers can select the material width and thickness for each gasket application, as well as adhesive type, for a simple direct application to an enclosure. Enclosure gasket can be made of a variety of materials which offer varying temperature ranges, chemical resistance, and other important characteristics.

Strip, Foam-in-Place, and Die-Cut Gaskets

Strip gaskets, foam-in-place gaskets, and die-cut gaskets describe different gasket forms or application methods. The appropriate option depends on the enclosure design, sealing requirements, and application.

Common Enclosure Gasket Materials

Common enclosure gasket materials include polyurethane, neoprene, and silicone. Each material offers different temperature capabilities and environmental resistance, making the appropriate choice dependent on the enclosure’s operating conditions.

How Do Polyurethane, Neoprene, and Silicone Gaskets Compare?

*Temperature ranges and application suitability should be confirmed for the specific gasket material and enclosure application.

Inspecting and Maintaining Enclosure Gaskets

Regular enclosure gasket maintenance will ensure optimal performance! 

Even gasket material that is properly specified for an application should be inspected regularly for signs of damage or deterioration. During inspection, look for conditions such as tears, gouges, cracking, compression, deterioration, or areas where the gasket no longer creates the intended seal.

 In some cases, it may be more beneficial to replace the entire door vs. just the gasket. This will ensure that UL and NEMA ratings are still maintained. Gaskets perform a critical job in keeping particulate matter outside of the enclosure. 

Selecting the Right Gasket for an Industrial Enclosure

The right enclosure gasket depends on more than the material alone. Temperature, moisture, chemicals, UV exposure, enclosure design, and required environmental protection should all be considered when selecting an enclosure for a specific application. Regular inspection can also help identify gasket damage before the enclosure’s seal is compromised.

Need help selecting an enclosure for a demanding industrial environment? Explore our industrial computer enclosures or contact ITSENCLOSURES to discuss your application.

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During the manufacturing or assembly process, the food/beverage and pharmaceutical industries must adhere to strict regulations regarding product safety. Contamination must be avoided at all costs. Industrial plants and factories must ensure that all process machinery and equipment, including heavy-duty computer enclosures, are regularly cleaned (usually a sanitizing washdown) and contaminant-free. The decontaminating washdown procedure removes residue and waste materials to preserve the highest pharmaceutical and food/beverage quality.

Electronics play a critical role in processing. Due to the harsh environment, a high quality, well-constructed computer enclosure is the key to preventing costly downtime. Type 304 or 316 stainless steel construction (with #3F vertical finish), a sloped design for water run-off, waterproof cable entry, and sanitary legs or pedestal are essential features for a NEMA 4X computer enclosure. However, fine particles and other debris can collect in crevices on the doors.

NEMA 4X computer enclosures should have the following door features to streamline the cleaning process:

Lift Off Hinges — When being deployed in production areas, lift off hinges – with removable pins – are a necessity on a NEMA 4X computer enclosure. These enclosure hinges allow for the door(s) to be easily removed for the detailed cleaning procedure. Specialty hinges will also minimize entrapment of tiny particles. Avoid a NEMA 4X enclosure that utilizes a ‘piano’ style or continuous hinge, because it will be difficult to clean the small crevices during the washdown process.

Latches — Quarter turn or knob style compression latches are ideal for keeping harsh cleaning chemicals far away from internal electronics (computer, printer, monitor), as well as, providing a smooth surface to wash. Traditional lift and turn style latches are undesirable in a washdown application, as these types of latches have too many ‘nooks and crannies,’ making it difficult to clean and keep contaminant free.

Gasket — Dual durometer EPDM gasket (rubber-like and made from ethylene propylene diene monomer), installed around the enclosure doors, offers a strong and durable sealing solution. The gasket’s compression qualities, along with the resistance to liquid/water, will provide high performance protection in any washdown application. Be sure to confirm the enclosure’s gasket and adhesives are compatible with stainless steel and can withstand harsh, high pressure cleaning.

Maintaining sanitary production areas can easily be achieved by selecting computer enclosures that are perfectly designed, well-constructed, and sealed from the outside environment. If you are unsure where to start, consult with a reputable enclosure company that has experience in the food/beverage and/or pharmaceutical industries. When researching the best enclosure solution, always find the product that can withstand the harsh environment in which it will be installed.

HAVE QUESTIONS?  LET US KNOW HOW WE CAN BEST ASSIST YOU! CONTACT AN ‘ITSENCLOSURES EXPERT’ AT 1-800-423-9911 -or- SEND US AN EMAIL:  INFO@ITSENCLOSURES.CO

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